Exams – why not course work?

As we all know taking exams is extremely stressful and having just done two, I'm still feeling extremely stressed out as well as relieved that they are over. Having spent months learning the course and weeks revising intensively, somehow I feel cheated that whether I pass or fail just depends on a 3 hour exam. Wouldn’t it be nice if some of the work could be submitted as course work? That way I could demonstrate my understanding of the whole course not just the areas that come up in the exam.

A friend is taking a post-graduate qualification and whether she passes or fails depends on the thesis she submits for each course. She does not have to revise intensively, just work consistently throughout the year. I asked her how without exams the tutors can be sure that she had studied the whole course. 'They can't' she replied.

There goes my argument for putting less reliance on exams.

My friend was quick however to explain that as a professional she did cover the whole course, particularly since she would be required to know the information for her job. She’s right of course, most people studying expect to use the information and therefore know they must cover the whole course or they will only get found out later. This is certainly an argument in favour of course work however with the possibility of abuse I expect we are stuck with exams.

At least there were a few things that made taking my exams more bearable. I took my exams in Balham in South London. The hall was quiet and the padded seats were extremely comfortable (so much nicer than the usual plastic chairs). There was even somewhere to buy coffee and snacks. I certainly welcomed been able to get a drink, however I felt a bit too sick with nerves to eat anything.

With the results weeks away I can now forget about the exams. With the sun shining and my holiday to look forward I can forget about exams for now. It's a long time till December thankfully.

Comments

[davey2b]

I can appreciate where you are coming from as I am sure most people will agree an exam of any nature is stressful with the worst part afterwards not necessarily helping when you think back on the questions you have just answered and say to yourself (sometimes aloud) "darn, i ought to have mentioned..."

I think the idea to submit course work and exams has and continues to be in the.. 'long time coming' category, especially with other professions veering down that route! so bloggs like this help us to air our views and publicly express a need to be heard and listened to and a strong urge for the decision makers to act on the voice of its subscribers.

When I studied part time and worked full time HNC (Higher National Certificate - a higher education qualification in the UK) rule was you had to take an exam for each unit and submit course work throughout the academic year. The course work grade you received made up 30% of the overall grade and the exam mark made up the remaining 70% of the total grade. The added pressure was that you had to pass all the units to attain your HNC so upon attainment you were proud of your relevant work certificate especially when you held down a full time post during the day and attended night class two evenings per week.

In the degree the principle was the same but in my post graduate studies some modules were purely exam, some were both exam and coursework like the degree and a couple were purely practical coursework which were appropriate for the module you covered (the latter was an IT course so modules such as Web Design and Computer Animation needed additional input via a visual aid, story board and written report) that were reviewed with your lecturer intermittently to ensure all criteria was being met.

I am sure that the post graduate format could work proficiently especially with the integration of NVQ level 4 Accounting operating as it does and gives insight into how these studies even at professional level can adapt and change and work with students to ensure standards remain high whilst at the same time provide the individual with a wider scope of attainment in the quest and innate desire not only to attain their qualification and add the letters to their name but feel that their aims and aspirations have been realised without feeling that standards and quality had been compromised in order for this to be attained

I know at the end of my post grad course I felt proud of my accomplishment and still wonder how I managed to fit time in to participate in sports activities, socialise (albeit rarely for that one year) and hold down a part time post in that particular instance.

The achievement led to a sense of elation but when a suggested progression to MPhil or PhD studies ensued my joy was feigned at the frightful thought of becoming a perpetual student took hold but I overcame this and sought solace in knowing by returning to the work force and to some degree a sense of normality i recall exhaling a big sigh (of relief).

Mind you I still continue to study albeit in a lesser capacity as that inquisitive nature manages to rear its head from time to time exposed and initially urged on encouragingly by my beloved adult literacy tutor.

Now I find, I have, not through choice but out of necessity, returned to study unaided and realised a change of career for financial reward, combined with a personal goal to succeed and prove them wrong must be attainable yet desired.

Indeed I desire, not for financial reward but to prove those doubters wrong and find myself enrolling on accountancy at the aptly worded 'ripe' old age of 40!

And back to the question at hand, given the choice between exam and coursework I prefer to have a culmination of the two.

One to monitor my development and performance consistently and the second to monitor my performance and ability to still think quickly on my feet and recall the relevant information as deemed appropriate.

Personally, it is the aspect of challenge that thrills me so preparation and a sheer determination to succeed, excel even, spurs me on to sit the 'dreaded' exams nonetheless and retain a 'positive outlook', knowing attaining my certificate via exams set with high standards allows sheer pride to envelop in what I have, and will continue to strive for and achieve.